Flights from Nairobi to London, United Kingdom

London is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in the world. They are drawn to the city because of its wonderful shops, theaters, nightlife and historical attractions. It is the center of London that many people want to visit, and the underground Tube system makes it easy to get around. The city’s West End brings you to attractions such as Trafalgar Square, the shopping district of Regent Street, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. A trip along the River Thames provides an opportunity to see all the main sights such as the Globe Theater and the impressive Tate Modern art gallery building.

Flying to London

1. Which airports serve Nairobi to London?

The main airport in Nairobi is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. In London the airport receiving most direct flights is Heathrow, but there are some indirect flights that arrive at Gatwick. Passengers should be aware that Gatwick is further away from the center of London than Heathrow.

2. Which airlines operate flights from Nairobi to London?

Both Kenya Airways and British Airways operate direct flights between Nairobi and London. Emirates Airways has flights with stopovers in Doha, while Lufthansa operates with stopovers in Frankfurt. There are daily flights between the two cities and for those prepared to fly indirectly there are more options available.

3. How long is the flight?

A direct flight between Nairobi and London takes around 8 and a half hours. Indirect flights can be around 11 hours right up to 36 hours due to the waiting time between flights. Nairobi is 2 hours ahead of London.

4. Climate changes between Nairobi and London

As it is located in northern Europe, London has a very temperate climate. In winter it can be below 0°C, and in summer during the short heatwaves that are common, temperatures can be in excess of 30°C. Nairobi has a much more consistent climate with temperatures remaining within the range of 22°C and 27°C. While London is prone to rain all year round, the heaviest months for rain in Nairobi are April and November.

5. Culture differences and need-to-know

The main language in London is English, but as it has become a multicultural city in recent years you are likely to hear many more languages being spoken. English is also spoken in Nairobi, along with Bantu Swahili. UK currency is the pound sterling, while in Kenya it is the shilling.

No visa is required to enter the United Kingdom for US passport holders to visit or conduct business for up to 6 months.

London Information

London is well-known for its wide variety of amazing galleries and museums, so be sure to add one or two to your itinerary. The National Gallery contains art works dating back hundreds of years, while the National History Museum is a wonderful building with skeletons of dinosaurs and ancient whales on display.

On certain days during the summer you can go into Buckingham Palace or you could take a trip to the Tower of London, where you can view the Crown Jewels. For stunning views of the city book a trip on London’s own observation wheel, the London Eye. Take a trip to Greenwich in south east London to see and go on board the Cutty Sark, once the fastest sailing merchant ship in the world. While there you can also visit the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory.

London also has some great markets, while handmade goods and crafts can be found on sale in Greenwich and Covent Garden.